Hadith #4652

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of giving to those in need even before they ask. The Imam advises us to initiate the act of giving, rather than waiting for the beggar to ask for help. By doing so, we not only fulfill their material needs but also preserve their dignity and honor.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith. The word (nawal) "نَوَالِ" refers to giving or bestowing something upon someone. It signifies the act of providing assistance or support to those who are in need. The word (su'al) "سُؤَالِ" means asking or requesting. It refers to the act of seeking help or assistance from others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to give to the beggar before he even asks for help. This act of preemptive giving is not only a reflection of our generosity but also a means of preserving the dignity of the person in need. When we provide assistance without waiting for them to ask, we prevent them from feeling humiliated or ashamed of their circumstances.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need without expecting anything in return. It highlights the selflessness and sincerity of those who give solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to give to the beggar without any expectation of gratitude or reward.

Another verse that resonates with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse reminds us of the importance of being generous and open-handed in our giving. We should not be hesitant or stingy when it comes to helping those in need. By extending our hand in generosity, we not only alleviate the suffering of others but also protect ourselves from being criticized or blamed for our lack of compassion.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and practical guidance for Muslims. It teaches us the importance of initiating acts of charity and kindness, rather than waiting for others to ask for help. By doing so, we not only fulfill the material needs of those in need but also preserve their dignity and honor. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of selfless giving and generosity without any expectation of reward or gratitude.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our daily lives. We should be proactive in identifying and addressing the needs of those around us, especially the less fortunate. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be generous and compassionate towards those in need, and may He bless us with the opportunity to preserve the dignity and honor of others through our acts of kindness.